Lavaca County Sheriff

Oct. 13, 2012 at 5:13 a.m.

Editor's Note: To help our readers learn more about the candidates in the Nov. 6 election, we are publishing profiles on candidates in contested races. Early voting begins Oct. 22. Today's candidates are seeking the Lavaca County sheriff's job.

Name: Micah C. Harmon

Age: 48

City/county of residence: Hallettsville/Lavaca County

Office Seeking: Sheriff

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Sheriff

Why do you want to serve in the office you are seeking?

I began my public service career at the age of 15 as a volunteer fireman. I feel it is my calling to be a public servant and to serve the people of Lavaca County. I have been sheriff of Lavaca County for the past eight years. I have an experienced and competent staff in place and we serve the citizens of Lavaca County well. I would like to continue serving the citizens as their elected sheriff.

What qualifies you to serve in this office?

I have more than 26 years of experience as a peace officer. I hold a Master Peace Officer Certification. I also hold an Advanced Jailer Certification. The sheriff must have jailer experience. The jail is one of the main responsibilities of the sheriff. Since I became sheriff eight years ago, our jail has passed every state inspection with zero deficiencies. I have more than 15 years of budgetary and administrative experience as an elected official.

If elected, how will you go about serving your constituents?

I will continue to serve as I am now. My command staff has a combined total of more than 100 years of experience in law enforcement and jail operations. They, along with the other employees, will continue the excellent job they are doing now serving the citizens of Lavaca County. I will continue to be frugal with my budget requests and will continue seeking grant funding for equipment to ease the burden on the taxpayers.

Is there anything else you would like to discuss concerning your election?

I am very proud to serve as the sheriff of Lavaca County. I am very grateful to the citizens of the county for putting their faith in me and electing me in 2004 and re-electing me in 2008. I care about Lavaca County and want to continue serving as sheriff. I am asking the citizens of Lavaca County for their continued support and vote in the Nov. 6 general election.

Phone number, address, e-mail or web site where voters can contact you or learn more about you.

361-798-0033

P.O. Box 665 Hallettsville, TX 77964.

Email is mcharmon@hotmail.com, on facebook@Re-Elect Harmon Lavaca County Sheriff

Name: Dennis M. Kocian Sr.

Age: 65

City/county of residence: Hallettsville/Lavaca County

Office Seeking: Lavaca County Sheriff

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Business Owner/ Mechanic Shop

Why do you want to serve in the office you are seeking?

I believe that Lavaca County needs a change and the Sheriff's Department should be operated in a more efficient manner. I do not believe in using county equipment for personal gain. There should be more and improved rural patrol of the county by utilizing more reserve deputies. I feel there should be more of a focus on drug trafficking and stopping the use of illegal drugs.

What qualifies you to serve in this office?

My experience in law enforcement - captain of the reserve deputy for Lavaca County and sheriff's deputy for Gonzales County - for more than 20 years along with the 41 years of management, EMT service, and my three years active and three years inactive duty in the U.S. Army with an honorable discharge have taught me how to handle ALL types of problems in Lavaca County to qualify as sheriff of Lavaca County.

If elected, how will you go about serving your constituents?

If elected by my fellow Lavacians, I will continue to be fair, honest, and dedicated to the citizens of Lavaca County. By working together with the city governments, police departments, constable's offices, Department of Public Safety, and the game wardens in Lavaca County so that we will have a stronger sheriff's department making it more effective for the citizens of Lavaca County with positive leadership.

Is there anything else you would like to discuss concerning your election?

I believe in the "Open Door Policy" so that each citizen and employee of Lavaca County will have access to their sheriff's office, and know they will be safe with their Lavaca County Sheriff's Office. I will work tirelessly to operate the sheriff's office and the county jail within the county budget and stop wasteful spending. I would like to thank everyone for their support and take this opportunity to ask for your vote.

Phone number, address, e-mail or web site where voters can contact you or learn more about you.